Not My Favorite...

One word to describe this book: saccharine. This book is SO unrealistic. The first 6 chapters are typical exposition, but you never once hear from the male counterpart. It's just set up of the heroine's problem...Civil War is ending, she's lost her home because Union soldiers have set it on fire, and her brother and she are now orphans. What will they do? Good set up. Lots could happen. Does anything happen? Nope. Lots of things could have happened, but nothing really does. For example, there is a lot of odd tension between the main character's young brother and the union soldiers. There is even one particular soldier that really roughs him up. Being a good big sister, Anna steps in and stands up to this man. There is a moment where it could be something. This could lead to the main conflict of the story. But, it's diffused and nothing comes of it. Why did it even happen? So odd. And, the love between the two characters is so easy. They see each other, and they easily fall into a relationship. So boring!!! No complications. No arguments. No activity. No competition or triangle. And, pages after pages about the great food the heroine makes, and how much everyone loves it. Such a tedious story. I ended up quickly scanning pages to make this story end quicker. Yes, it's an exceptionally clean novel, which is good. I like that, but way too boring and very little anything: no mystery, no triangle, no action. This book is not my style. I will not continue reading this series.